THE ESSAY COMPETITION

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 103, 28 October 1933, Page 20

THE ESSAY COMPETITION

(Original.) A knot of third form girls were gathered around B dormitory, discussing topics of the day. "We must try and beat the fourth form," said Stella. The remaining five agreed. There was a historical essay exam, in which the whole school competed. ■At last the eventful day came when the exam, was to take place. Teachers were hurrying around and the girls who were to sit were very excited; all were industrious. At last the inspectors walked solemnly into the room. The work had starlc;!. Nobody notiecu a girl from the fourth, sitting silently at the back. She seemed very flustered over something. All her work was finely traced on her ruler 1 The dates of history were there, one underneath another. No wonder she passed with honours. But somebody noticed her,' and that, somebody was Stella. Sho; -was disgusted. Of course, the teachers must be told, so as soon as the exam, finished ■Stella remained to tell her story to her astonished superiors. Nothing was said about it until tha day of the exam, results. All-were assembled in the assembly hall, and the competitors were sitting on the stage waiting for the results: " But the headmistress looked very grave. In her hand was the ruler which Stella had seen on Muriel's desk. "Girls," she said, "I have something very disappointing to tell you. One girl among you has cheated. Stella .Wilson has given me this ruler, and it belongs to Muriel Page. Now, Muriel, how is this?" , Muriel had nothing to say for herself. . "Well, Muriel, you've ■ spoilt your form's chances. The third form wins." And very proud the third was1 that night" "LOBELIA" (13). Thorndon.